Paul and Sue Bergstrom

Thumbs Up!

This petite instrument carries with it thousands of years of African musical tradition. Called a kalimba, mbira, mbila, or marímbula depending on the region in which it's played, the first version of this handheld thumb piano originated in Africa over 3,000 years ago! Lightweight and portable, the thumb piano was the chosen instrument of traveling troubadours, who would retell the history of their tribe in song.

Whether you use it to strike up your own story or to teach little ones about music, Paul and Sue Bergstrom's handcrafted thumb piano is the ideal instrument to carry a tune. Atop a beautiful, hollowed-out gourd are 8 numbered tines that correspond with traditional notes on the diatonic scale. The tines, or keys, are made of tempered spring steel that is hand-cut and rounded. To play, simply cradle the gourd in your hands and pluck the tines with your thumbs. Handmade in Blairsville, Georgia.

Includes easy-to-follow songbook filled with traditional melodies like "You are my sunshine," "Kumbaya," and "Happy Birthday."

Paul and Sue Bergstrom

location

Georgia

Nothing brings Paul and Sue Bergstrom more joy than sharing their love of music. The couple, who live in the mountains of north Georgia, craft Kalimbas—a type of thumb piano that originated in Africa—out of gourds and wood. When Paul creates an instrument, he works to "feel" the sound. "Only after my wife has installed the key set and tuned it do I get to hear the end result of my work," he says.

Aesthetic beauty is just as important, even when it can't be seen. A few years ago, Paul recalls a show where a young blind girl chose her own Kalimba. When she found her match, a cannonball gourd, she knew instantly. "She said, 'It's beautiful, I can feel it,'" shares Paul. "In that moment, my wife and I realized that what we were doing was very right."

Still haven't found the details you're looking for? Check out our Product Q&A!

Most of our items are in stock and will ship quickly. Orders for in-stock items placed before 5pm ET (Economy and Standard shipping) or 2pm ET (Preferred, Expedited, and Express shipping) Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays, will ship:

Economy shipping:

within 8 days, arriving no later than the 9th business day after the order was placed.

Standard shipping:

within 4 days, arriving 5 business days after the order was placed.

Preferred shipping:

within 2 days, arriving 3 business days after the order was placed.

Expedited shipping:

within 1 day, arriving 2 business days after the order was placed.

Express shipping:

will ship the same day and arrive 1 business day later.

As actual gourds are used to make this product, each one may vary slightly in size

This was the best gift for my dads 70th birthday! He is a music wonder! Plays many instruments and loves anything unique like this! He played that night at his party and the next day was learning songs! It was a very special gift for a very special person in my life! My dad is not easy to buy for but this website is now my go to for anyone I need to buy for!!! I love all the products and have purchased quite a few for different people and for different occasions! It's gifts they don't even know they always wanted!! Thanks for making my gift ideas so special and personal! Truly a happy costumer that will keep coming back!Stacey Boone

This is a very well made and beautiful sounding little piano. I have played it every day since it arrived and love it. I would not allow it to be used as a toy for a small child. Older children who can handle things properly would enjoy it though. I'm thinking of buying another one....maybe a pentatonic.

I have a musical artsy daughter and had no idea what to get her. She loved this and plays it on a regular basis. It sits on the counter and she plays whenever she has a free moment. I believe it decompresses her.

The thumb piano is displayed on my computer desk in my den. I pick it up and strum when I pass by or sit at my computer. I love looking at it and consider it a work of art. So happy I bought it and one other and plan to buy others as gifts in the coming year.

This is the second thumb piano purchase for my son. He is a 23 year old musician, specially a drummer, and he loves them. The sound is so cool and get lots of use by him AND his friends. The craftsmanship is unique and beautiful. They 'live' on his coffee table and make great conversation pieces, as well as functional 'big guy toys'. I'd love to see other variations of the pianos.